eat and drink like the president

For Wine Enthusiast's web site this month I've written a story about some of the special inauguration dinners around the country that chefs are organizing to celebrate president-elect Barack Obama. You don't have to be a dignitary to sit at these tables!

Read it here:
http://www.winemag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=9D2AC2931DDF4D9AB983585856CA198C

my freelancing tips in The Writer Magazine

In the February 2009 issue of The Writer I talk about five tips to make sure your query (otherwise known as a story proposal or "pitch") stands out. Freelance writers get the bulk of their work by pitching editors at magazines, newspapers or other publications, and so having a colorful, dynamic and totally unique story idea in hand is what closes the sale -- especially when many writers like you are pitching the same editor.

There's no link to the article on the magazine's web site, but here is the table of contents: http://www.writermag.com/wrt/default.aspx?c=ci&id=54

writings for Fodors.com

Staying in hotels and eating in restaurants is only one part of travel, of course, but for Fodors.com I covered those two topics in recent months. Here's a rundown.

Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley, Arizona
http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3283.html

Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee
http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3228.html

Spice Route, Toronto
http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3236.html

drink and eat to the recession!

For Wine Enthusiast's web site, I wrote about how you can take advantage of imbibing and dining deals that are especially tailored to these poor economic times. If you're in L.A., San Francisco or New York City, there's a deal or two for you. Check out the article here:
http://www.winemag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=61E992AF735A4B92AB95436A5C41D0B3

Green Bay Packers & the Caribbean

Okay, so last night's Packers game against the New Orleans Saints wasn't a good time if you were wearing green & gold. But don't fret because Packer Fan Tours brings die-hard fans to a far sunnier place once the season wraps. In the November 2008 issue of Milwaukee Magazine I write about a cruise where fans can mingle with current and former players. Now that's fun in the sun!

PS: You can also read about the cruise here: http://www.packerfantours.com/cruise/

celebrity winemaker

When I heard that Kyle MacLachlan (you've seen him as "Trey" on Sex & the City and "Orson" on Desperate Housewives) was involved with a winery in his home state of Washington, I suggested to my editor that we interview him. She happily agreed and one afternoon I caught up with Kyle where we talked about his frequent trips back to Yakima, David Lynch and his infant son.

The interview is in the November 15, 2008 issue of Wine Enthusiast. To check out the wines, from Dunham Cellars in Walla Walla, Wash., visit www.dunhamcellars.com.

bikers and the law

For a fun piece I wrote for Milwaukee Magazine a few months back, I interviewed local lawyer Michael Hupy about his advocacy work on behalf of motorcyclists. Read the article here, titled "Sidecar Counselor," which was published at around the time thousands of bikes roared into my city Labor Day weekend.

http://www.milwaukeemagazine.com/insider/default.asp?NewMessageID=23989